Mygreenweek

Safeway announced this week it will purchase 100% renewable energy power to all 270 of the companies fuel stations in the US, its 15 stores in San Francisco, and Safeway Corporate Campuses in Pleasanton and Walnut Creek, California. Working with the Environmental Protection Agency, it becomes one of the largest purchasers in the US and is an EPA “Green Power Partner”.

“Protecting the environment and conserving our nation’s valuable energy resources is something that Safeway and our customers care deeply about,” said Executive Vice President Larree Renda. “By powering out fuel stations, stores and corporate offices with wind energy, we are taking a leadership role and setting the example of why using cleaner sources of electricity is important in helping the environment and helping conserve energy.”

Safeway has agreed to purchase 78 million kilowatt hours in the form of wind energy, thus making Safeway one of the largest buyers of renewable energy in the US and the largest buyer in the state of California. Safeway is the only retailer to purchase enough renewable energy to power 100% of its fuel stations.

“The EPA applauds Safeway’s fuel stations for being among the largest commercial purchasers of Green Power in the United States,” said Blaine Collison, program directors of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership. “Safeway is leading by example and setting a standard for environmental partnership.”

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the purchase is avoiding more that 85 million pounds of carbon dioxide. It compares to planting more than 10,500 acres of trees.

Dawn